Basics
- Activity Type:
- Rafting
- Length:
- 4 Days
Description
The Yampa is WILD. It is the last undammed river in the Colorado River system. Through the years the Yampa has defied many attempts to dam its free flow, several by congress, and the most formidable in 1965 by Mother Nature. Just after dinner on June 10th, a flash flood carried tons of rock down Warm Springs draw blocking the river channel. Within twenty-four hours the Yampa took aim and breached the dam, leaving in its wake Warm Springs Rapid, rated among the 10 biggest drops in the country.
Every May and June this river rises to the occasion and CRANKS with plenty of full-bodied waves from the first day to the last. Like many wild things the Yampa also has a serene side...miles of white tiger-striped walls that drop 2000 feet sheer to the water, side-canyon waterfalls, Anasazi rock art, and whispering caves.
We will spend 46 miles of this 71-mile trip on the Yampa and then merge with the Green River at Echo Park for the balance through Whirlpool Canyon and Split Mountain Gorge. If you feel the need for something rare, something wild and free... the Yampa is waiting.
Details
Length:
Additional Details:
One of the advantages of a river trip is the flexibility of the daily itinerary. It can vary widely from one trip to the next based on group desires, Mother Nature, and courtesy for other groups on the river. This typical itinerary illustrates a four-day trip on the Yampa River. In June, we lengthen the Yampa trip by one day and follow this general itinerary.
| Day 1 | ||
| Meet party at headquarters in Vernal, Utah before transport to put-in at Deerlodge Park in Colorado. The Yampa's speedy flow takes you over many miles and abundant rapids. | ||
| Day 2 | ||
| Visit pre-Columbian ruins, before the Yampa meanders past such attractions as The Grand Overhang, Cleopatra's Couch and Tiger Wall. A heavy flash flood in 1965 down Warm Springs Draw choked the Yampa with boulders forming the river's largest rapid. | ||
| Day 3 | ||
| The Yampa joins the Green River at Echo Park where the canyon widens before the river circles Steamboat Rock. Here the river enters Whirlpool Canyon. The afternoon may be spent at Jones Hole Creek - a blue-ribbon trout stream with side canyon petroglyphs and waterfalls. | ||
| Day 4 | ||
| Peaceful morning in Rainbow and Island Park areas before entering another massive gorge. The Green's powerful forces cut laterally through Split Mountain's uplifted and colorful core. Rapids abound before take out and a 35 minute ride back to Vernal. | ||
